[Motor Guy]

Hey Clayusmc,
I surely thank you for that link. I'll keep it for future reference. You see, I thought my Zumo XT was completely dead but, maybe not. I plugged it into a USB line and into a 120VAC socket we have in our kitchen that has USB chargers built into it and just left it alone for about 3-4 hours. When we plugged it in, the unit woke up and did what it normally does when plugged in which is, simply go into some kind of screen that sits there and does nothing but show's there's a cord plugged into it, that's it.

I then took it out to my NC750X and turned on the ignition and vuuuuuallllla, it turned on and went through its normal start up sequence and then gave me the screen to choose map or destination. And, it showed a fully charged battery, yahooooo! Sooooo, at this time, it appears, that the just shy of 3 year old Zumo XT is still active.

I really like the Zumo XT. I was about to get frustrated that a $500, 2 3/4 year old GPS unit was almost a paperweight, based on it wouldn't wake up from about a 1 month sleep. For some reason, my lap top still doesn't see it when I plug it in. Will have to work on that.
Scott

If my XT sits around for a couple weeks without use the battery will be dead. Been that way since new and I just figured it was the nature of the unit. Maybe I have one of the units with bad batteries? Seems to be fine with regular use though.

 

[TX Mike]

To actually power off the XT, you have to hold down the power button until it gives you the option to turn off.

If you don’t follow the power off procedure, the XT goes into a “standby” mode and continues to draw power, until the battery is dead.

 

[FIRE UP]

To actually power off the XT, you have to hold down the power button until it gives you the option to turn off.

If you don’t follow the power off procedure, the XT goes into a “standby” mode and continues to draw power, until the battery is dead.

EXACERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I now know that and will power it down from that prompt each time I shut down unless I know for sure I'll be using the bike (and the GPS) in the very close future.
Scott

 

[FIRE UP]

Interesting … I have a Garmin DEZL I bought several years ago for when I have to travel with my truck. It has the lifetime maps update feature. My Windows laptop will not recognize the DEZL. When I researched possible causes including the Garmin site, Garmin advises I need to use not just any USB cable, but one that is also capable of transferring info. The problem is I have the original cable I once used to update the DEZL and transfer data. Now while using that original cable my WIndows laptop still will not recognize the DEZL. From my research it appears to be a common issue with no solution.

Jack2,
While I don't pretend to be any form of a computer geek, may I suggest a suggestion that I just found out about last night, right after I'd posted my non-recognition of my Zumo on my lap top. First, follow the steps to get ready for updating your Garmin Zumo. That is, if you have Garmin Express on your lap top or home PC, click on it and follow the prompts to plug in your Zumo. Sometimes, the program will tell you your Zumo is NOT CONNECTED when surely it is and you see that it is. It will eventually see that it's connected and, will say "you're all up to date".

Now, when that's all taken care of, over on the left side of your computer screen, in what ever kind of list on the vertical side of your computer screen you see, you'll see "this computer". Click on it. The next screen you should see presents at least two items at the top. One of them will be your Zumo. Click on it. The next screen may be just the properties. Click on it. What you Should see next is all the files in your Zumo. You can take it from there. At least this is how I got my computer to recognize the Zumo. Hopefully this helps.
Scott

 

[FIRE UP]

The empty battery with the lightning volt is Garmin's symbol for the battery charging.

I'm only guessing here, but I wonder if going into the File Transfer Mode would implement the Windows (I'm thinking your using a Windows system) permissions request. Does the XT use Garmin Express to do the map updates?

Dan18960,
Yes, the Garmin Express is the updating entity for the Zumo and my motorhomes Garmin "Smart Drive" GPS. Thanks for chiming in here and the suggestion.
Scott

 

[murf]

Dan18960,
Yes, the Garmin Express is the updating entity for the Zumo and my motorhomes Garmin "Smart Drive" GPS. Thanks for chiming in here and the suggestion.
Scott

Under "Wireless Networks" in the Settings Menu, If you go to "Wi-Fi" and check the "Enables Wi-Fi Technology" box, the Zumo XT does not open the Garmin Express app to update the maps and system software.

 

[Fred H.]

A little research showed there were quite a few premature battery failures on the XT and no one could find a battery for them. So, again, just wondering if the new XT2 uses the same battery and, if so, if and/or when the battery takes a permanent nap, can you get a replacement or, do you throw between $400 and $500 worth of GPS unit in the trash?
Scott

I was able to purchase a replacement Zumo XT battery last year from the guy who runs this site: Short Tronics Inc

 

[FIRE UP]

Well Fred,
That's great to know. I recently had to throw away a Sena 5s system in our Sena Outrush helmets due to the fact that as much as me and the CEO looked, we could not find a replacement battery for that particular headset.
Scott

 

[dansgl1800]

To actually power off the XT, you have to hold down the power button until it gives you the option to turn off.

If you don’t follow the power off procedure, the XT goes into a “standby” mode and continues to draw power, until the battery is dead.

My XT is wired to the bike for power. When I turn off the ignition the XT automatically checks for updates and then powers off. I never use the XT power button as it automatically turns on when I power the bike on.

Garmin Device Not Checking For Updates and Turning Off When It Loses External Power | Garmin Support

Garmin Support Center United Kingdom is where you will find answers to frequently asked questions and resources to help with all of your Garmin products.

support.garmin.com

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cycledude]

I actually talked to Garmin tech, the new XT2 will NOT work with the original XT mount.
I also asked them about the external speaker, the external speaker on my XT should be louder and I had complained about that as soon as I received my XT, they told me they would probably make it louder in a future update but that never happened, the new XT2 supposedly has the same inadequate external speaker volume as the original XT.
I would like the slightly bigger screen but I don’t think I will be buying one.

 

[murf]

I actually talked to Garmin tech, the new XT2 will NOT work with the original XT mount.
I also asked them about the external speaker, the external speaker on my XT should be louder and I had complained about that as soon as I received my XT, they told me they would probably make it louder in a future update but that never happened, the new XT2 supposedly has the same inadequate external speaker volume as the original XT.
I would like the slightly bigger screen but I don’t think I will be buying one.

Same here. Will not be upgrading from the XT to the XT2.

 

[Fred H.]

Well Fred,
That's great to know. I recently had to throw away a Sena 5s system in our Sena Outrush helmets due to the fact that as much as me and the CEO looked, we could not find a replacement battery for that particular headset.
Scott

FYI, the battery dimensions for the Zumo XT are 61mm x 41mm x 11 mm and capacity is 3000 mAh. I found one on Amazon that looks to be the right size, but it only has two wires. There is a third green wire on the Zumo battery that I believe is connectect to a temperature sensor (thermistor) that is used to monitor the battery while charging. I suspect you MIGHT be able to remove the small charge circuit board off the Zumo battery and transplant it onto a replacement battery to keep the built in temperature monitor.

Amazon.com: HXJNLDC DC 3.7V 3000mAh 103665 Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Replacement Battery for DIY 3.7-5V Electronic Product, Mobile Energy Storage Power Supply : Electronics

Amazon.com: HXJNLDC DC 3.7V 3000mAh 103665 Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Replacement Battery for DIY 3.7-5V Electronic Product, Mobile Energy Storage Power Supply : Electronics

www.amazon.com

Contact Chris Short at Shortronics Last time we talked, he indicated he may start building up some of these batteries. He told me the Garmin batteries don't seem to hold up well over time. GPS Repairs : PalmDR.com, PDA Repair Done Right!

 

[Fred H.]

The one thing that would make me upgrade, is if Garmin would change their firmware so that the small roads didn't all dissapear when you zoom out past the 1 mile scale. The older Garmin (376c etc) would allow you to set the zoom range where you wanted the detail level to change. It's nearly impossible to see the road your on when you try to zoom out to get the bigger picture, and this really cripples the GPS. I don't know why Garmin doesn't ever address this.

 

[mrmagloo]

Agreed. When I'm using the Zumo XT - which is usually when I'm touring long distance in unfamiliar areas, I will use the XT for routing, and keep the Honda or Harley GPS going just for a bigger picture overview side by side. Point well taken.

 

[carolinarider10]

Just for the record, I still use my 550 in my truck for directions and stuff and XM radio.

 

[Wiscocyclist]

The one thing that would make me upgrade, is if Garmin would change their firmware so that the small roads didn't all dissapear when you zoom out past the 1 mile scale. The older Garmin (376c etc) would allow you to set the zoom range where you wanted the detail level to change. It's nearly impossible to see the road your on when you try to zoom out to get the bigger picture, and this really cripples the GPS. I don't know why Garmin doesn't ever address this.

Agree. But to be fair, the Zumo XT is miles better than the all the previous versions in terms of showing roads at zoom out. But it should be settable. That's been my biggest complain in the Zumo series vs the older Streetpilot is the constant dumbing down of things.

I'm rather furious now that you can no longer see Radar weather while riding (which you always could in previous Zumo's and until the later versions of firmware on the XT. Grrrrr....

 

[paulcf]

GPS? What for? Riding is for exploring and discovering new roads and adventures. I use paper maps exclusively so I get the "big picture" and I don't need Greta Garmin yelling in my ear to turn here and there. What would you all do if the Russians shoot down all the GPS satellites? Get lost? I also have a nice over the radio 12" transparent and waterproof pocket for the map to reside in, and a cheap magnifying glass with a tether on it for checking in a pinch.

 

[Jack2]

GPS? What for? Riding is for exploring and discovering new roads and adventures. I use paper maps exclusively so I get the "big picture" and I don't need Greta Garmin yelling in my ear to turn here and there. What would you all do if the Russians shoot down all the GPS satellites? Get lost? I also have a nice over the radio 12" transparent and waterproof pocket for the map to reside in, and a cheap magnifying glass with a tether on it for checking in a pinch.

Greta is very mischievous. I don’t know what I ever did to provoke her. Maybe it’s because I swear at her too much, but she deserves it!

Besides having roads disappear when zooming out, why does Garmin use the smallest typeface to display route numbers? You would think zooming in would make route numbers larger too, but NO!

 

[Fred H.]

I'm rather furious now that you can no longer see Radar weather while riding (which you always could in previous Zumo's and until the later versions of firmware on the XT. Grrrrr....

Oh great, you mean to tell me they took that away with the last firmware update?

 

[murf]

Oh great, you mean to tell me they took that away with the last firmware update?

I have the latest updates to the Zumo XT and the Garmin Drive app. Just finished a 100 mile RTE. Weather radar and traffic updates worked just fine while riding.